The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has been dealt a severe blow just days before their crucial knockout match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Three key players are set to miss the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, throwing coach Eric Chelle's plans into disarray.
Key Players Ruled Out of Crucial Knockout Match
This setback comes after a perfect group stage where Nigeria secured victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The team must now navigate the knockout phase, starting with a match against Mozambique on Monday, January 5, at 8:00 p.m. in Fes, without three important squad members.
The most significant loss is in attack. Cyriel Dessers, the Panathinaikos forward, has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a thigh injury sustained in training. Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the 31-year-old striker has returned to his club in Greece.
This development forces Nigeria to lean more heavily on the attacking prowess of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to secure a win and advance in the competition.
Defensive and Midfield Gaps Emerge
The problems extend beyond the forward line. Defender Ryan Alebiosu is still recovering from a deep cut injury he suffered during his debut against Tanzania. While present at a team session, he did not participate in training, leaving a gap in the defensive rotation, particularly for the left-back position.
Completing the trio of absentees is midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who missed training due to a cold. Although not a long-term issue, his unavailability reduces Nigeria's options for controlling the midfield's tempo and transitions against Mozambique.
With only 25 players available for training, Coach Eric Chelle faces a tactical reshuffle. He must find solutions to cover these gaps while maintaining the team's momentum from the group stage.
Super Eagles Forced to Adapt Quickly
Despite these unexpected challenges, the team's focus remains on the ultimate prize. Chelle has urged his squad to put their flawless group-stage performance behind them and concentrate fully on the single-elimination knockout phase.
The absence of Dessers, Alebiosu, and Nnadi will test the squad's depth and resilience. It places increased responsibility on established stars and requires others to step up in their absence if Nigeria is to continue its pursuit of a fourth AFCON title.
This injury crisis arrives just as the Super Eagles received a massive vote of confidence from Moroccan football legend Mustapha El Haddaoui, who tipped them as strong favourites for the trophy following their dominant group-stage display. The team now must overcome this hurdle to prove those predictions right.
